A 65-year-old Manjimup man has been charged with animal cruelty in relation to two horses allegedly left to suffer chronic laminitis and overgrown, untended hooves.
The horses – aged seven and eight – were the subject of a cruelty complaint made to RSPCA WA in July.
A Shire of Manjimup ranger attended the property at the request of the RSPCA and noted the seven-year-old horse appeared to be lame as she was lying down and reluctant to move as she had long, cracked hooves. The eight-year-old horse was standing in an uncomfortable position, shifting her weight from side to side.
The RSPCA WA inspector issued a written direction to the accused to arrange vet treatment.
The direction was not complied with, and the inspector attended the property where she noted the younger horse was lying down in a paddock and the ground surrounding her was flat, indicating she had been on the ground for an extended period.
The horse had excessively long and cracked hooves, which had started to grow at strange angles.
The second horse was standing uncomfortably and moving her weight around on her feet. She was attempting to make her way down to the dam for a drink but could not walk properly on the steep and rocky ground.
A vet was called to the property – they provided pain relief and advised the horses were not fit for transport as they would need more pain relief first. The RSPCA WA inspector seized the horses in situ.
The following day, after administering further pain relief, the horses were declared fit to travel. When the younger horse was being loaded onto the float, her hoof wall burst open, and a large amount of fluid squirted out.
Both horses were transported to a local vet for immediate assessment and treatment. They were diagnosed with a range of issues including a long-term history of chronic laminitis and inadequate farrier care, pedal bone resorption, and a high worm burden.
Both horses continue to recover in RSPCA WA foster care.
The accused has been charged under section 19(1) and 19(3)(h) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. RSPCA WA will allege he was cruel to the horses in that he allowed them to suffer harm that could have been alleviated by taking reasonable steps.
He was also charged under section 40(2) for failing to comply with a written direction notice.
The maximum penalty for a charge of animal cruelty is a $50,000 fine and five years in prison. The maximum penalty for failing to comply with a direction is a $20,000 fine and one year in prison.
The charges will be heard in Manjimup Magistrates Court on 21 November 2024.
The RSPCA relies on the community to report incidents of suspected cruelty and neglect. Report cruelty 24/7 on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358) or at rspcawa.org.au.
